Walk Two Moons
By Sharon Creech
Summary
Salamanca Tree Hiddle goes on a road trip with her grandparents, following the footsteps of her mother in her last days. On their journey to her mother's grave, Sal tells her grandparents a story about her and her friend, Phoebe Winterbottom. Sal has just moved to Euclid, Ohio from her farmhouse back in Bybanks, Kentucky. After a few days in Euclid, Sal becomes friends with Phoebe and notices that they have lots of things in common, like both of their moms leaving them without a warning. While Sal is explaining the story she starts to realize that her mom is not coming back.
Thesis Statement - Foreshadowing
Mike is Mrs. Winterbottom's son
Sharon Creech left subtle clues throughout the book to reveal Mike Bickle’s true identity. “The young man looked up and down the street. His hair was curly and mussed, and there were bright pink circles on his cheeks.” (pg. 43). The young man, Mike Bickle, seemed to be very nervous by the way he looked and the way he was acting. Mike seemed very urgent in trying to talk to Mrs. Winterbottom, which probably means they have some ties. “That’s nice,” Mrs. Partridge said, patting her knees. “Oh, Phoebe, I think I met your brother.” (pg. 193). This quote is one of the less subtle ones. This confuses Phoebe why she would say that, because at the time she had no knowledge of her having a brother.
Sal's Mom died in a bus accident
Throughout the novel Sharon Creech hints that Sal's mom died in a bus accident. “I prayed we wouldn't be in an accident (I was terrified of buses and cars) and that we would get there by my mother’s birthday which was seven days away- and that we would bring her home.” (pg. 7). After hearing that she hates being in cars because car crashes and we don't know why she hates them, you can assume she has had some bad experiences with car accidents. “Gram and Gramps wanted to see Momma, who was resting peacefully in Lewiston Idaho.” (pg. 5). When someone uses the words “resting peacefully” it suggests that they are dead. The author is hinting that Sal’s mom is dead by using the words resting peacefully.
Gram's death
Farther along in the book the author shows how Gram is very fragile and is getting weaker by the second. “Gram tried to say, ‘Huzza, huzza,’ but she could not breathe well. ‘Huz-huz-’ she rasped.” (pg. 144). Gram cannot find enough strength to properly speak when trying to do her usual, “Huzza, huzza.” Gram’s strangely non-energetic voice is the start of Gram’s declining health. “Gramps had tried to wake Gram when he saw the lake. ‘Gooseberry?’ Gramps said. She slumped sideways on the seat. The doctors said that Gram had had a stroke.” (pg.256). When Gram didn’t wake up Sal and Gramps knew something was bad. After being told she had a stroke,
Conclusion
Sharon Creech hints major events in the book by using foreshadowing to give the reader and idea of what is to come later in the book. The most important things she foreshadowed was Gram’s death, Sal’s moms death in a bus accident, and Mike Bickle’s relationship with Mrs. Winterbottom.